In a modern and mechanized society, exquisite handcrafts evoke the rich and colorful lives of their creators and intoxicate us with their aesthetics. Dropenling Dropenling Handicraft Development Center in Lhasa, capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region is such a place showing traditional handicraft in the modern era.

The Dropenling Handicraft Development Center [Photo by Lily Dong/China Tibet Online]

Dropenling Handicraft Development Center is dedicated to improving the lives of Tibetan artisans throughout Tibet by selling only unique, high quality handicrafts made by Tibetans. The Tibetan word "Dropenling" means "giving back for the betterment of all sentient beings". Dropenling has achieved its purpose by giving back to hundreds of Tibetan craftspeople all over the Tibet Autonomous Region.

As a  a social enterprise designed to provide sustainable, long-term solutions to the promotion and preservation of Tibetan culture, Dropenling is a self-sustaining business whose profits are re-invested into further support of the Tibetan artisan community. All profits from Dropenling are returned to the artisan community in order to improve their working conditions and livelihood. Dropenling combines on-site artisan producer groups, handicraft sales, and traditional cultural performances.

The handicrafts of ethnic groups embody their culture and aesthetics. The workmanship not only reflects the developmental situation of the local crafts industry, but also reveals the history and culture of ethnic groups. If you would like to stop by the Tibetan artisan community and get a taste of the real Tibet, you can visit Dropenling Handicraft Development Center on the Chak Tsal Gang Road of Lhasa.